Howbeck

The farm and surroundings
Howbeck Lodge is situated in the Northern Fells at the foot of the Skiddaw range in the Lake District National Park.

The Lake District National park
England's largest National park includes Scafell Pike - its highest mountain, Wastwater - its deepest lake, and thriving communities. Although the Lake District countryside may seem wild, its appearance is because of human activity, particularly farming. People have been using the area for at least 10,000 years. Many of the Lake District names still used today originate from early times for example: dale (valley), gill (gorge), beck (stream), tarn (lake) and thwaite (clearing). Once trees had been cleared, charcoal was made and then used as a fuel to make iron in Furness, copper in Borrowdale and Coniston and lead in Glenridding. Howbeck Lodge is on the outskirts of the beautiful unspoilt village of Hesket Newmarket, with easy access to the rest of the National Park, Hadrian’s Wall, Solway coast and yet only 9 miles from the M6 motorway.

Something special in Hesket Newmarket;
a community owned brewery
The brewery was first set up by Jim and Liz Fearnley, who at that time ran the Old Crown in Hesket Newmarket. As the brewery's reputation spread across Cumbria, a number of other pubs expressed interest in the beers, and a small network of loyal outlets was gradually established. When the Fearnley's announced their intention to retire in 1999, a group of local enthusiasts came together to work out how best they could ensure the survival of the brewery in the village. So the Hesket Newmarket Brewery Cooperative was born, a community enterprise run on democratic and voluntary principles, through which around 70 real ale enthusiasts (who either live locally or have local connections) own equal shares in the brewery. After a successful first year, most shareholders opted to receive their dividend in liquid form! The cooperative also intends to channel a share of future profits into community projects.
The brewery received a special award from Solway CAMRA for 'high quality brewing'. The original modified dairy tanks have been replaced by a completely new brewing plant capable of producing 50 barrels (nearly 15000 pints) a week.

Farming at Howbeck Lodge
Howbeck Lodge is a traditional family sheep and beef farm, farming over 300 acres. John is passionate about his livestock, their welfare and a regular cup winner at local shows during the summer months. Christine is well known locally for her homemade produce and will provide guests with her cakes, biscuits, soups, ready meals, jams and marmalades, all sold from the honesty shop in the little hog house next to the featherdown tents ( don’t worry there are

no pigs in it now!) This small barn was originally used to house pigs, but has recently been restored to provide showers downstairs; the honesty shop is in the loft above where you will find all your essentials for a comfortable stay. Full farmhouse breakfasts are available on request.

The Howbeck Lodge family
John and Christine Stobart have farmed at Howbeck for over 20 years. We have 3 children, David, Joanne and Sarah.

Although Jo is married and has a son, they spend as much time as possible back on the farm.

Pets allowed
Dogs are welcome, but please keep them under close control around animals and other guests.

Location of the tents
The tents are beautifully sited in a field overlooking a small wood and enchanting

stream, perfectly sited, when all is quiet if you are lucky you may see roe- deer, red squirrel, foxes, badgers and occasionally you may hear a woodpecker in the woods.

Specials at Howbeck Lodge
We are passionate about our animals, land and countryside and are part of a higher level stewardship scheme, which enables us to look after the land, hedges and old farm buildings as they would be in years gone by. Whilst you are visiting if you wish we will give you a tour of the farm, you may even be able to feed the orphan lambs in spring.

Places of interest
There are many places to visit, probably too numerous to mention, but all of the beautiful Lakes are within easy reach. Keswick on Derwentwater is only 12 miles away. The picturesque village of Caldbeck the birth place of the legendry John Peel is only 2 miles away or you can take a lovely stroll by the river. When you arrive you can have coffee or lunch in the Watermill tea rooms, then visit the numerous little gift shops, before your stroll back. Hesket Newmarket itself has its original market cross where in days gone by local farmers would sell their produce. The Old Crown is renowned with visitors from near and far including royalty to sample its beers all made in the brewery behind the pub, both of which are owned by more than one hundred local people and other supporters.